Chapter 72

Tim laid in bed and enjoyed Tammy getting her morning blowjob breakfast. He reflected on Deniece’s treatment by the nano-bots last night and wondered if they had any long-term effects on her health. As he watched Tammy’s skilled technique, he couldn’t help but wonder if the nano-bots could be used for more than just Deniece’s pleasure, perhaps even for healing her, like they do for the felines. Resisting her advances was challenging due to the intense effect the nano-bots had on her sexual desires. Their mutually intense passion had intensified to a new degree. He would have to ask Dr. Dell about that.

Deniece rolled over, saw a smile on Tim’s face, and rose and kissed him. She said, “Good morning. Thank you for an enjoyable evening.”

“Are you feeling better?” Tim asked, concerned about Deniece’s well-being.

“Yes, you seem to have quashed the nano-bots. I’m feeling much better.” Deniece’s gratitude towards Tim was evident in her warm smile as she expressed her appreciation for the pleasant night they had spent together.”

After Tammy finished her breakfast, she and Denece climbed into Tim’s arms. After a few minutes, Tim got up and dressed for the fitness room. As he walked out of the bedroom, Wendy stood in the hallway.

“Daddy, can I sleep with Mommy?” She asked as she rubbed her sleepy eyes.

Tim smiled and nodded, knowing that she felt comforted in her mother’s presence. He gently lifted Wendy into his arms and carried her back to the bedroom, where she happily settled into bed between Tammy and her mother.

Ralim and two of her friends were in fitness room 512 when Tim entered. All three of them were grinning broadly as they stood next to the rowing machine. Tim couldn’t help but be curious about what had put such big smiles on their faces. He approached them and asked, “What’s got you all so happy?”

Ralim looked at the other two and then at Tim. She asked, “Tim, the girls want to know if it’s okay to go back home for a visit and some shopping.”

Tim smiled and replied, “Of course! It’s always nice to take a break and catch up with family. Just make sure to let me know when you’ll be back so I can plan accordingly.”

Ralim and her friends thanked Tim excitedly before rushing off to make their travel arrangements.

Tim got on the rowing machine, began his routine, and then switched to the other machines before leaving to meet the commander for their five-mile run. The run was, like always, challenging and invigorating, but Tim enjoyed the camaraderie with his fellow soldiers. As they pushed through the last mile, they encouraged each other to finish strong. After the run, Tim felt a sense of accomplishment and looked forward to heading back to Deniece and the others.

Tim walked into the kitchen and saw Miss C, Ella, and Tammy fixing breakfast. He then remembered that it was Deniece’s turn to shower with him. He walked into the bedroom and saw Wendy curled up on the bed, still fast asleep. Tim smiled, realizing that Deniece must have gotten up early to let Wendy rest.

As he entered the bathroom doorway, he saw her standing next to the shower door and heard her say, “You can’t make me scream; you’ll wake our daughter.

Tim chuckled and replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.”

Deniece playfully rolled her eyes and stepped into the shower, ready for an enjoyable shower to start their day together.

Tim quickly undressed and joined Deniece in the shower, feeling grateful for their peaceful morning routine. This was the first morning shower that didn’t involve sex in the shower. The warm water cascaded over them, washing away any lingering traces of sleepiness as they embraced the day ahead.

After the shower and Tim getting dressed, he picked up Wendy, took her back to her room, and had her start getting dressed for school. Tim and Deniece started for the kitchen and breakfast, but they stopped in to check on David. David was just waking up. Tim and Deniece exchanged a knowing smile, grateful for their son’s being awake. With reassurance that he was safe and sound, they continued to the kitchen, ready to tackle the day ahead.

After finishing breakfast, they all went about starting their respective days: Tim to the bridge, Tammy to the office, Miss C to the office, and Deniece to the school drop-off and office.

Tim sat in his office with Tammy and Pauline, talking about their upcoming planet visit. “I’ll take the two of you with me, and we’ll spend the next two days studying the images the probes return. I want to learn everything I can about what is happening there.”

Tim had both Tammy and Pauline watch the live feed from different rooms. That way, each of them could analyze the images independently and provide diverse perspectives on the findings. Tim told them to meet back in three hours and exchange notes.

Tim noticed as he watched the live feed that most of the women were dressed in fashionable attire while the men were wearing simple clothing. He also noticed that the men always walked behind the women. Tim wondered if there was a cultural or societal reason behind these observations. He made a mental note to discuss this with Tammy and Pauline during their note exchange, hoping to gain further insights into the dynamics of the event.

Pauline and Tammy returned to Tim’s office three hours later, carrying a large stack of notes. They sat down and waited for Tim to start. “Is that how you perceive it?” Tim asked them because it seemed to him that women rule the world.

Tammy and Pauline looked at each other and smiled. “Yes, that’s the way we both seem to think,” Pauline stated.

Tim leaned back in his chair, watching their response with interest. He realized that their shared perceptions could provide valuable perspectives on the dynamics of the event. Curious to delve deeper into their thoughts, he asked, “Could you elaborate on why you believe women rule the world?”

“First, women’s clothing isn’t designed for working in the fields,” said Tammy, who spoke first.

“And second, the men walked behind them rather than in front of or beside them.” Added Pauline

Tammy added, “The men were wearing working clothing. Did you notice that the women never spoke to a man?” Tammy turned to Pauline and said, “The man’s head was always bowed when they spoke to him.”

Pauline said with a smirk, “After the woman spoke to the man, he moved away quickly, not looking back.”

“Did you notice anything else?” Tim asked.

Tammy pondered for a moment before responding, “Yes, I noticed that the men seemed to be doing most of the physical labor while the women supervised.”

Pauline nodded in agreement and added, “I also observed that the men appeared to be carrying heavier loads than the women.”

“Tim, I did notice one thing.” Tammy said, “The men slept in a separate building from the women.”

Tim sat there and thought about that. He asked, “Did you see a pregnant female?”

Both Tammy and Pauline looked at each other and shook their heads.

For the next two days, all three watched the feed, taking notice of how both the women and men acted so differently.

Tim believed that after two days, they were prepared to travel to the planet. He gave Sarha her instructions. No one would come to the planet for any reason. The probes were not to invade the people’s privacy; they could be monitored only from outside. If and only if they were not back in three days, a nighttime recon could be sent down.

The first glimpse of the ranch on the female-dominated planet revealed a stark contrast to anything Tim Bodge had ever experienced. The cloaked shuttlecraft hovered over this large ranch. Allowing Tim to get an idea of what life was like on this unique planet. The ranch was a vibrant tapestry of colors, with buildings adorned with intricate designs and lush greenery cascading from every corner. It seemed as if nature and architecture were seamlessly intertwined, creating a harmonious and picturesque setting. Tim couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and curiosity, eager to explore the ranch and learn more about its female-dominated society.

Stepping off the shuttlecraft with Tammy and Pauline, he couldn’t help but marvel at the vibrant colors and beautifully curved, organic shapes that dominated the architecture. The air buzzed with anticipation as they ventured deeper into the heart of the ranch.

“Wow,” breathed Tammy, her feline ears flicking in excitement. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

“Me neither,” agreed Tim, unable to tear his eyes away from the towering structures that seemed to defy gravity. “It’s incredible.”

“Let’s explore,” Pauline suggested, her tail twitching impatiently. She led the way; the others close behind.

As they wandered through the bustling streets, they observed the clothing of the women and men that populated the ranch. The women wore intricate, flowing garments that accentuated their authority and grace, while the men donned simpler, more functional outfits. It was clear who held the power here.

“Look at those two over there,” whispered Tammy, gesturing towards a pair of women in elaborate dresses, engaged in animated conversation. A man stood nearby, quietly holding their belongings, waiting for their command.

“A different dynamic than what we’re used to,” mused Tim, watching as another man scurried past them, carrying an armful of fabrics, his head bowed in deference to the women he passed.

“Excuse me,” said a woman approaching the trio, her voice authoritative yet warm. “You seem new here. May I help you?”

“Thank you, ma’am,” replied Tim, instinctively snapping into his military-trained politeness. “We’re just visiting and wanted to learn more about your culture and customs.”

“Of course,” she smiled, extending her hand. “Welcome to our ranch. I am Lysa, one of the ranch leaders.”

“Nice to meet you,” Tim said, shaking her hand firmly. “I’m Tim, and these are my friends, Tammy and Pauline.”

“Feel free to explore, but do not interfere with our way of life,” Lysa warned gently. “We value our customs greatly.”

“Understood,” Tim assured her, grateful for the introduction.

As they continued to navigate the ranch, they couldn’t help but be drawn into the unique rituals and traditions that unfolded around them. Tim watched as a group of women sparred in an open courtyard, their movements swift and powerful.

“Check that out,” he whispered to Pauline, who was watching intently. “Their fighting style is incredible.”

Pauline nodded, her eyes never leaving the display. “It’s fascinating to see how their culture has shaped their combat skills.”

“Indeed,” agreed Tim, his interest piqued by the efficiency and brutality of the women warriors.

Tammy, on the other hand, found herself drawn to a group of young men practicing acrobatics nearby. She observed their feats of strength and agility, mentally comparing their performance to her feline prowess.

“Hey,” she called out to them, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Mind if I join you?”

“Sure thing!” replied one of the young men, extending a welcoming hand.

“Be careful, Tammy,” warned Tim, ever protective of his friend. “Remember what Lysa said about not interfering.”

“Relax, Tim,” Tammy smirked. “I just want to have a little fun.”

“Fun” was an understatement. As the trio continued to immerse themselves in the ranch’s customs and power dynamics, each became increasingly intrigued and challenged by the experiences they encountered. They knew their time here would leave a lasting impact on their lives, but to what extent remained unclear.

Tim’s gaze followed the Head Woman as she strode confidently into a small, dimly lit building off the main courtyard. He exchanged glances with Tammy and Pauline, curiosity piqued, and they wordlessly agreed to follow her.

“Ah, I see our guests have taken an interest,” the Head Woman remarked, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She gestured toward a table laden with various herbs and vials. “This is something of great importance to our culture.”

“Herbs?” Tim asked, raising an eyebrow. “What’s so special about them?”

“Allow me to demonstrate.” The Head Woman selected a particular vial and poured its contents into a glass of water. She turned to a young man who was standing nearby, his eyes downcast in submission. “Drink this,” she commanded.

The young man hesitated briefly before complying, downing the concoction in one swift motion. Almost immediately, his demeanor changed. His muscles relaxed, and he appeared docile, almost lethargic.

“Wh-what did you give him?” Pauline stammered, alarmed by the transformation.

“An elixir made from these very herbs,” the Head Woman explained. “It suppresses the will to fight, making men more ... pliable.”

Tammy’s eyes narrowed, her ears twitching in agitation. “You’re drugging them? That doesn’t seem fair.”

“Fairness, my dear, is not the issue here,” the Head Woman replied coolly. “Our society requires balance. These herbs ensure that the men remain subservient and do not disrupt our way of life.”

“Balance, huh?” Tim mused, exchanging uneasy glances with his companions. “I suppose it’s worth learning more about.”

“Indeed,” Pauline murmured, her thoughts racing with the implications of what they had just witnessed. “We should stay and observe their customs more closely.”

“Agreed,” Tammy nodded, her tail flicking in anticipation. “But we need to be cautious. Something about this doesn’t sit right with me.”

“Trust me,” Tim said quietly, his eyes locked on the now-placid young man. “I feel it too.”

And so, the trio decided to remain in the ranch and immerse themselves in its rituals and traditions. As they participated in ceremonies and learned the intricacies of the culture, they could not ignore the unsettling power dynamics at play. Each was forced to confront their own beliefs and values while striving to maintain a delicate balance between respect for the culture and their growing sense of unease.

“Remember,” the Head Woman had told them, “Balance is everything.” The question that lingered in their minds, however, was whether such balance could ever truly be achieved in a society built upon manipulation and control.

Tim leaned against a weathered stone wall, watching as Tammy and Pauline chatted animatedly with a group of women from the ranch. He couldn’t help but notice the way the female ranchers’ eyes lingered on him, their gazes hungry and appraising. Despite his experience with women, he felt an unfamiliar twinge of vulnerability.

“Does it bother you?” a deep voice inquired from behind him. Tim turned to find one of the male ranchers standing at a respectful distance, his stance unthreatening. “The way they look at you?”

“Can’t say I’m used to it,” Tim admitted, scratching his neck self-consciously. “Not like this, anyway.”

“Neither were we,” the man said, a rueful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “But you get used to it. Or you leave.”

“Leaving doesn’t seem like much of an option for most of you.” Tim gestured to the other men in the ranch, who appeared as docile as house pets under the watchful eyes of their female counterparts.

“True,” the man sighed, casting a longing glance toward the horizon. “But some of us still dream of escape.”

“Escape?” Tim’s interest was piqued. “From what? The herbs?”

“From everything.” The rancher’s eyes met Tim’s, a flicker of defiance burning within them. “From the control, the manipulation ... the lies.”

“Are you saying the Head Woman isn’t being honest with us?” Tim asked, his protective instincts kicking into high gear.

“Her words are like honey,” the man warned, “sweet and enticing, but hiding a deadly sting.”

“Interesting,” Tim mused, filing the information away for later. “Thank you for the warning.”

“Be careful, stranger,” the man whispered as he slipped away. “There are many who would see you tamed.”

“Or worse,” Tim murmured, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the crowd. His gaze landed on Tammy, who was laughing at something one of the women had said. Despite her apparent ease, he could sense the tension coiled beneath her fur.

“Tammy,” he called out, beckoning her over with a nod of his head. “Can I speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure thing,” she replied, excusing herself from the group and sauntering over to him. “What’s up?”

“Something isn’t right here,” Tim confessed, lowering his voice. “I think we need to figure out what’s going on.”

“I agree,” Tammy nodded, her ears twitching in agitation. “Pauline and I have been discussing it, too. We should talk to her and come up with a plan.”

“Good idea,” Tim agreed, feeling a mixture of relief and unease. It seemed they were all sensing the danger lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic ranch.

As they approached Pauline, her feline form sleek and graceful among the crowd, Tim couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that they were stepping into a tangled web of deception and power struggles. But, as they began to strategize and discuss their findings, he also felt a growing determination to uncover the truth and protect his friends – no matter the cost.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the ranch square. Tim’s eyes narrowed as he watched a group of male ranchers huddled together, their expressions tense and furtive. He could feel the undercurrent of unease rippling through the crowd as they whispered and glanced around fearfully.

“Seems like there’s more to this place than meets the eye,” Tammy murmured, sidling up beside him. Her tail twitched with anticipation.

“Indeed,” Pauline agreed, her feline form radiating tension. “I’ve been observing their interactions, and it appears there’s a growing resentment among the men.”

“Hey!” A sharp voice called out, drawing their attention. The Head Woman strode towards them, her second-in-command at her side. “What are you three whispering about?”

“Nothing important,” Tim replied smoothly, shifting into his most charming demeanor. “Just admiring your lovely ranch.”

“Is that so?” She eyed them suspiciously, before gesturing towards the gathering. “Well then, why don’t you join us for our nightly ritual?”

Tim exchanged glances with Tammy and Pauline, sensing the unspoken agreement between them. This was their chance to learn more about the mysterious customs and power dynamics at play. With a nod, they followed the Head Woman into the center of the square.

“Tonight,” she proclaimed, the ranchers falling silent as she spoke, “we celebrate the unity of our community. Let us drink the sacred elixir and rejoice in our shared strength!”

As the male ranchers reluctantly took sips from a large, communal bowl, Tim noticed their expressions shift from tense apprehension to placid submission. It was unsettling but fascinating all the same.

“Tammy, do you think that’s –” he began, only to be cut off by a sudden commotion.

“Thieves!” someone shouted, and chaos erupted in the square. A group of women from another ranch had infiltrated the gathering, attempting to make off with the stock of herbs used in the elixir.

“Pauline, Tammy – let’s go!” Tim barked, his military instincts taking over. They charged into the fray, their combined strength and skill quickly overpowering the invaders.

“Stop!” The Head Woman’s voice rang out, silencing the struggling crowd. “We have defended our sacred herbs, but we must ask ourselves: What does this mean for our community?”

Tim, panting from the exertion, considered her words. Conflicting emotions warred within him: suspicion towards the Head Woman and the ranch’s customs, but also grudging respect for their ability to work together and protect what they held dear.

“Perhaps,” he mused internally, “we don’t have all the answers yet. There’s more to learn, and we need to tread carefully to unravel the web of secrets that binds this place.”

As the ranchers began to disperse, the trio remained in the ranch square, their gazes meeting in unspoken understanding. They would stay, continuing to delve deeper into the complex world they had stumbled upon, seeking truth amidst the shadows and deception.

The sun began to set over the quaint ranch, casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets. Tim, Tammy, and Pauline approached the towering figure of the head woman, her stern expression etched into every line of her face. She was draped in a dark crimson cloak, making her presence felt like a looming storm cloud. Her eyes were cold as steel, commanding respect from everyone around her.

“Ah, our esteemed guests,” she greeted them, her icy demeanor melting away into a warm smile. “It is an honor to have you visit our humble ranch. I am Elara, the head woman.”

“Thank you for having us,” Tim replied, his voice steady despite the imposing aura that emanated from Elara.

“Of course! We don’t often have visitors, so we’ve prepared a special feast in your honor. Please, join us tonight,” Elara said, gesturing toward a large wooden table laden with steaming dishes and succulent fruits.

“Sounds delightful!” Tammy exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the food, while her tail swished excitedly behind her.

Pauline nodded, her feline form’s ears perking up at the enticing sounds of laughter and chatter coming from the ranchers gathered nearby. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy at the sudden shift in Elara’s demeanor, but she pushed the thought aside and focused on the here and now.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable,” Elara urged, guiding them to their seats. The trio sat down, exchanging excited glances as they eagerly awaited the start of the feast.

“Let the festivities begin!” Elara announced, her voice carrying through the air, silencing the chatter around them.

As the first courses were served, the ranch erupted in conversation and laughter once more. Tammy playfully batted at a cherry tomato with her hand, flicking it across the table to Tim, who caught it with a grin. Pauline, still cautious, observed the scene around her, but couldn’t deny the warmth and joy that filled the air.

“Elara, this is truly a wonderful feast,” Tim said, raising his glass in a toast. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“May our friendship only grow stronger from here,” Elara replied, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that had been absent earlier.

“Cheers to that!” Tammy chimed in, lifting her glass as well.

“Cheers,” Pauline echoed, silently hoping that their newfound alliance would not be marred by betrayal or deceit. She took a sip of her wine, her senses on high alert as she continued to watch Elara closely. The night was young, and there were many unknowns yet to be revealed.

As the feast continued, Elara subtly sprinkled a fine dusting of greenish-gray herbs on Tim and Tammy’s plates. The delicate powder had a faint earthy aroma that blended seamlessly with the savory scents of the food. The taste was subtle, almost imperceptible, but its effects were anything but.

“Pauline,” Elara began, her voice suddenly taking a confidential tone. “I’ve heard whispers that you possess an extraordinary ability – one that allows you to transform into other creatures.”

Caught off guard, Pauline hesitated before replying. “Yes, that’s true. I can change into various forms, including a mouse among others. It’s a gift passed down through my family for generations.”

“Remarkable,” Elara marveled, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “Such a skill could prove invaluable in times of need.”

“Indeed,” Pauline agreed cautiously, wondering what Elara might desire from her newfound knowledge.

Meanwhile, Tim and Tammy ate their meals, oblivious to the herb-infused dishes they consumed. As the herbs took effect, their expressions became glassy and their movements more sluggish. They continued eating, unaware of the manipulation taking place.

“Tim, Tammy, don’t you think it’s time for a dance?” Elara suggested, her voice laced with hidden intentions.

“Of course!” Tammy replied, her usual enthusiasm somewhat dulled. She rose from her seat, pulling a dazed Tim up with her.

“Wait!” Pauline interjected, her instincts screaming that something was amiss. “I think we should stay seated for now.”

“Are you doubting our host’s intentions?” Tim asked, his voice unnaturally flat. “Elara has been nothing but gracious.”

“Tim’s right,” Tammy chimed in, her words slow and deliberate. “We’re just having fun.”

“Fine,” Pauline relented, her heart heavy with concern. She watched as Tim and Tammy swayed to the music, their movements robotic and forced. It was clear that something was off – and Pauline couldn’t shake the feeling that Elara’s herbs were responsible.

“Elara,” Pauline spoke up, her voice tense. “What have you done to them?”

“Nothing more than ensuring their loyalty,” Elara confessed coldly, dropping her friendly facade. “You see, these herbs are a specialty of our ranch. They suppress one’s will to resist and allow us to control the men.”

“Control? You’re using them as puppets!” Pauline accused, outrage boiling within her.

“Merely a necessary measure,” Elara replied dismissively. “I suspect you’ll find your shape-shifting abilities quite useful in the coming conflict between our ranches.”

“Conflict?” Pauline echoed, her thoughts racing. “What are you planning?”

“Ah, that would spoil the surprise,” Elara taunted. “But rest assured, my dear, when the time comes, I intend to use every resource at my disposal, including you.”

“Over my dead body,” Pauline hissed, her anger flaring. Her mind raced as she considered her options, knowing that she had to act quickly to save Tim, Tammy, and herself from Elara’s clutches. And it all started with her unique ability – the power to transform into a mouse.

In a split second, Pauline’s body shrank, her limbs and features morphing as she transformed into a tiny mouse. The world around her grew massive, and the once-familiar surroundings now appeared alien to her newfound perspective.

“Tim, Tammy,” she squeaked, her voice barely audible in the cacophony of the feast.

From her low vantage point, the details of the room became more vivid – the worn wood grain of the floor, the dirt and crumbs scattered about, and the towering legs of the guests as they danced and dined. The air was thick with the scent of food and sweat, both intoxicating and nauseating all at once.

Her minuscule heart pounded in her chest as she skittered across the floor, dodging dancing feet and narrowly avoiding being crushed. The horrifying realization that Elara planned to use them as pawns in some unknown conflict consumed her thoughts, fueling her urgency to reach Tim and Tammy.

“Need to warn them,” she thought frantically, her tiny claws scraping against the floorboards. “They’re in danger.”

As she approached her friends, the effects of the herbs on them were even more pronounced. Their expressions were vacant, their eyes glazed over like glassy marbles. The sight sent shivers down Pauline’s spine, stoking her anger toward Elara for what she had done.

“Tim!” she cried out, leaping onto his shoe and scrambling up his pant leg. “Tammy! You have to listen to me!”

Despite her desperate attempts, neither of them seemed to register her presence. Panic swirled within her as she realized that time was running out.

“Focus, Pauline,” she told herself, trying to drown out the chaos around her. “You have to save them.”

She knew she had to do something drastic to get their attention, but what? Her mind raced, her thoughts chaotic as the perilous situation weighed heavily upon her.

“Maybe if I can just...” she muttered, reaching Tim’s shoulder, and gnawing at the fabric to expose a small patch of skin. With all her might, she bit down, hoping the pain would snap him out of his trance.

“Ow!” Tim shouted, swatting at his shoulder and inadvertently sending Pauline flying through the air. She landed with a soft thud, shaken but resolute in her mission.

“Tim, Tammy,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Please, don’t let Elara control you.”

Time was running out, and Pauline knew she had to act fast to save her friends – and herself – from becoming mere pawns in Elara’s twisted game.

Pauline’s heart pounded as she scurried toward Tim and Tammy, her tiny mouse feet pattering against the cold stone floor. The sights, sounds, and smells of the feast overwhelmed her senses, but she forced herself to focus on her mission. Fear clouded her thoughts, but she knew she had to warn her friends before it was too late.

“Tim! Tammy!” Pauline squeaked, leaping onto the edge of the table. Her minuscule voice was drowned out by the raucous laughter and clinking of glasses surrounding them. She cursed her small form, wondering how she could make them understand the danger they were in.

“Please,” she whispered, bounding across the table toward Tim. Her tiny paws skidded across a slick patch of gravy, nearly sending her tumbling into a steaming pot of stew. “Don’t eat the food!”